Penn State wrestling opens season with commanding 41-3 victory over Drexel

Penn State wrestling kicked off its 2024-25 season in dominant fashion, routing Drexel 41-3 at Rec Hall. The top-ranked Nittany Lions demonstrated their depth and talent, winning nine of ten bouts with technical precision and aggressive scoring. Below is a weight-by-weight breakdown of the action.

125: Luke Lilledahl (PSU) wins via forfeit

Penn State began the dual with an uncontested six points, as Drexel did not field a wrestler at 125 pounds.

133: Braeden Davis (PSU) def. Kyle Waterman (Drexel) – Dec. 7-5

Sophomore Braeden Davis wasted no time initiating the action, securing a takedown within the first ten seconds. After an injury scare early in the first period, Davis returned to extend his lead.

Despite a reversal by Waterman in the opening period and an escape in the second, Davis held his ground with strong defense in the third. A late Drexel challenge for a potential takedown was unsuccessful, sealing Davis’s narrow victory and extending Penn State’s lead to 9-0.

141: Jordan Soriano (Drexel) def. Cael Nasdeo (PSU) – Dec. 11-8

In a tightly contested bout, Drexel earned its only victory of the night. Nasdeo led early with a quick takedown and consistent escapes, but Soriano battled back with aggressive shots and a critical reversal in the third period.

Despite a valiant effort, Nasdeo could not recover the lead, and Soriano’s riding time secured Drexel’s lone three points.

149: Connor Pierce (PSU) def. Dominic Findora (Drexel) – Dec. 5-4

Connor Pierce showcased resilience in a back-and-forth battle. Pierce’s first-period takedown gave him an early lead, and his riding time proved crucial as Findora mounted a strong challenge in the final frame.

Despite Findora’s relentless single-leg attempts, Pierce held on to win by decision, extending Penn State’s advantage to 12-3.

157: Alex Facundo (PSU) def. Luke Nichter (Drexel) – Dec. 8-6

In another close match, Alex Facundo delivered for the Nittany Lions. A strong reversal in the second period allowed Facundo to reclaim his edge after a brief tie.

With Drexel’s Nichter earning an escape late in the third, Facundo displayed excellent defense to close out the narrow win, increasing Penn State’s lead to 15-3.

165: Mitchell Mesenbrink (PSU) def. Cody Walsh (Drexel) – Tech. Fall 21-4

Mesenbrink provided a masterclass in offensive wrestling, racking up takedowns and near falls with a relentless pace. Walsh had no answer for the sophomore’s explosive attacks, and the match ended via technical fall in the third period, bringing the team score to 20-3.

174: Levi Haines (PSU) def. Jack Janda (Drexel) – Tech. Fall 16-0

Returning All-American Levi Haines dominated his bout with a mix of takedowns and near-fall points. After a commanding 9-0 first period, Haines added to his lead with a clinical ankle pick and an armbar that nearly resulted in a pin.

The technical fall came early in the second period, giving Penn State a 25-3 lead.

184: Carter Starocci (PSU) def. Giuseppe Hoose (Drexel) – Tech. Fall 19-3

Four-time national champion Carter Starocci lived up to his reputation with a dynamic performance. Starocci consistently alternated between takedowns and letting Hoose escape.

One more takedown in the third period ended the match via technical fall, extending the team score to 30-3.

197: Lucas Cochran (PSU) def. Ethan Wilson (Drexel) – Tech. Fall 18-1

Lucas Cochran wasted little time asserting his dominance, scoring multiple takedowns and earning near-fall points in the first period. Cochran’s control and pressure overwhelmed Wilson, who had no answers as the match ended in another technical fall for Penn State.

285: Greg Kerkvliet (PSU) def. Tanner Updegraff (Drexel) – Fall (1:40)

Greg Kerkvliet capped off the dual in spectacular fashion with a first-period pin. After scoring two takedowns and four near-fall points, Kerkvliet secured the fall at 1:40, bringing the final score to 41-3 in favor of Penn State.

Penn State’s dominant performance reinforced its status as the nation’s top program, with contributions from veterans and rising stars alike. The Nittany Lions return to the mat next week at the Army Black Knight Invitational, held at West Point on Sunday, Nov. 24, at 10 a.m.

Carson Schuler is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email cts5357@psu.edu.